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What kind of welder to buy?

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jim

01-15-2003 13:37:30

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I would like to buy a welding kit for various chores around the house and garage. I have done a little bit of oxy-acetylene, mig, tig, and stick welding but I lack the experience to know what would be my best bet to buy. I will have around $300 to spend for a setup, but which is best for all around general purpose? I would like to be able to weld steel up to 1/4" thick (thicker would be fine, too). Any specific manufacturers and models recommended would be greatly appreciated.

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Joe

02-02-2003 15:44:59

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

With 300 bucks to spend you gotta go for a 225
amp AC stick mach. go used and look for a 225 ac
140 DC mach. both will do a good job for all but the lightest work Ilove my MIG but buy the stick
first

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Joe

02-02-2003 15:44:58

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

With 300 bucks to spend you gotta go for a 225
amp AC stick mach. go used and look for a 225 ac
140 DC mach. both will do a good job for all but the lightest work Ilove my MIG but buy the stick
first

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Joe

02-02-2003 15:44:56

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

With 300 bucks to spend you gotta go for a 225
amp AC stick mach. go used and look for a 225 ac
140 DC mach. both will do a good job for all but the lightest work Ilove my MIG but buy the stick
first

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ScottT

01-19-2003 19:27:36

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

My wife got me a Century AC welder 8 years ago for our anniversary (who could ask for more?). It has infinite adjustment like a Miller from 35 amps to 220, 80% duty cycle up to 150amps. I've welded some pretty thin stuff up to at least 3/8" with no problems. She picked it up a Sams Club pretty cheap (don't remember, but definitely less than $180). I still see this model from time to time, also in an AC/DC model for about $100 more.

Scott

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James Ordal

01-20-2003 09:39:19

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Re: Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to ScottT, 01-19-2003 19:27:36

I beleive century is made by Lincoln and Hobart is made by Miller or viceaversa Lincoln and Miller make pretty much all the welders any more

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jerry /Tex

01-15-2003 19:05:08

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

I bought an old NCG transforner welder at an auction for 105.00 . Been using it for years. A A/C transformer welder commonly called buzz box or cracker box is about all you will find in your price range. Most will be in the 20% duty cycle. Weld 2 min. out of 10 min. ,which means burn a rod ,chip, think about it and burn another rod.

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Ben in KY

01-15-2003 20:51:20

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Re: Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jerry /Tex, 01-15-2003 19:05:08

Of course the duty cycle time increases as you weld with less current. I have an ancient 180 amp AC welder, which has a 20% duty cycle at 180 amp, but a 75% duty cycle at 100 amp.

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Ih man

01-15-2003 18:34:54

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

The only way to go is I Miller Mig I have 2 a 110 and a 220 model The 110 is set up for light stuff like sheet metal I am a auto body man. I always am doing stuff for people.The 220 I have set up for heavy metal like thick steal.And I dont think 300 bucks is going to do it.For any kind of a weilder. Better save a little bit yet and get a good one not a cheep little one. Remember you get what you pay for.

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James Ordal

01-15-2003 18:25:07

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

I am sorry but I can't recommend a Lincoln "buzzbox". I personally have a Miller Thunderbolt which is a buzzbox and by buzzbox i mean typically 225-245 amps AC and 120-150 amps DC but the important number is your duty cycle most buzzboxes run 20% which in lamen terms you can weld 2 minutes and let the welder cool 8 now this is a figure that they come up with and I am not sure how you run the risk of burning up your welder if you don't. Now obviously this is going to be a pain if you weld any time at all so generally speaking we don't do this. Now I have personally burned up two Lincolns by welding for long periods of time, But my Miller has been used and abused and has alot of cable for my stinger all the things you should not do to a 20% duty cycle welder and it still runs as good as the day I bought it. I have about 480 dollars in it with all the extra cable and I have not found anything I can't weld yet with it from sheet metal to 1/2" plate.

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Lincoln AC/DC

01-15-2003 17:57:17

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

Lincoln AC/DC can do it all.

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Big40

01-15-2003 17:17:49

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

For the money you have you can't go wrong with the Lincoln AC/DC. They usually sell for $350 or so. The lincoln AC welder is about $250 but for $100 more you're better off with the AC DC unit. I've seen some weekend dirt track boys here in NC weld pretty thin material with them. Depends on the experience you've had with welding. Big40

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Ben in KY

01-15-2003 15:30:07

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Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to jim, 01-15-2003 13:37:30

For the money you have I would get a Lincoln ac "buzz" box stick welder. Not good for the really thin stuff, but the most useful all around for the money.

Just my opinion though. Some of the PRO welders on here might have a better suggestion.

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jayjay

01-22-2003 19:03:55

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Re: Re: what kind of welder to buy? in reply to Ben in KY, 01-15-2003 15:30:07

if you live near canada .take your u.s. money go to canadian tire ,they have on special a 120
lincoln mig ,$499.00 canadian .I just got one easy to use ,and will weld just about anything ,and can be used anywhere (120). I also have a 220 lincoln which I use for half inch metal, but for every thing else the little mig with flux core wire will blow the doors off the 220 ,i love it I hope this helps jayjay

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